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Innovative textile finishes for superior workwear performance and safety
RUDOLF Technologies: enhancing protection and comfort in workwear
The performance of your workwear depends on the advanced technologies applied to its fabrics. Our state-of-the-art RUDOLF solutions enhance textiles to provide superior breathability, moisture management, water repellency and flame resistance, delivering maximum comfort and protection.
Our finishing technologies are designed to enhance durability and safety without compromising on comfort or flexibility. They help workwear manufacturers create garments that keep workers dry, safe and focused throughout their day.
Repellents
With RUCO-GUARD® / RUCOSTAR® fluorine technology (C6), RUDOLF offers powerful oil and water repellency that provides protection against blood, hazardous chemicals, oils, and liquids with very low surface tension. This finish is indispensable for workwear, PPE, and technical fibers, among other things. In many special applications, there is no viable alternative, as competing technologies do not offer the required protection. BIONIC-FINISH® ECO is available as a fluorine-free, water-repellent alternative. This technology protects against everyday water-based stains, makes cleaning easier, and extends the life of textiles—without compromising feel or appearance.
Waterproof
RUDOLF offers ECO-VENT®, a water-based PU coating. The waterproof coating is water vapour permeable and reduces heat loss. ECO-VENT® is a sustainable coating system that is free of solvents and formaldehyde.
Soil Release
The use of FERAN® provides the fibre surface of synthetic and cellulose textile fibres with a durable protective layer that prevents stains from adhering. Thanks to this innovative finish, dirt and stains are easier to remove.
Softening Agents
RUDOLF offers a comprehensive range of soft-touch agents that ensure an extremely soft feel on the skin. With the help of the comprehensive RUDOLF portfolio of RUCOFIN® and PERRUSTOL® technologies, tailor-made and sustainable solutions can be developed for customer-specific requirements.
Abrasion Resistance
After repeated use, workwear often shows significant signs of wear and tear. However, the use of high-quality RUCO-PUR® finishing agents makes the material significantly more abrasion-resistant, so you can always perform at your best.
Hygiene and Freshness
Moisture and heat provide ideal conditions for the growth of microorganisms responsible for unpleasant odours. With PRISTINE, RUDOLF has developed a particularly effective finish that protects against odours and offers maximum comfort in stressful or strenuous situations at work.
Moisture Management
Textiles treated with HYDROCOOL® efficiently absorb moisture and distribute it over a large area on the outside. Thanks to this sweat-wicking and quick-drying function, the skin stays dry and feels comfortable, especially during high-intensity activities.
Flame Retardant
Our flame-retardant treatments reliably protect textiles from ignition, thereby increasing safety in demanding work environments.
Vector protection
With Sanitized® technology, RUDOLF offers an innovative solution for reliable vector protection: workwear is treated with a durable protective finish during manufacture. The integrated active ingredient coating provides effective protection against the transmission of pathogens by mosquitoes or ticks, for example when working in agriculture or in local forests and nature reserves. The protection is permanently integrated into the fabric and remains effective even with intensive use.
Repellents
With RUCO-GUARD® / RUCOSTAR® fluorine technology (C6), RUDOLF offers powerful oil and water repellency that provides protection against blood, hazardous chemicals, oils, and liquids with very low surface tension. This finish is indispensable for workwear, PPE, and technical fibers, among other things. In many special applications, there is no viable alternative, as competing technologies do not offer the required protection. BIONIC-FINISH® ECO is available as a fluorine-free, water-repellent alternative. This technology protects against everyday water-based stains, makes cleaning easier, and extends the life of textiles—without compromising feel or appearance.
Waterproof
RUDOLF offers ECO-VENT®, a water-based PU coating. The waterproof coating is water vapour permeable and reduces heat loss. ECO-VENT® is a sustainable coating system that is free of solvents and formaldehyde.
Soil Release
The use of FERAN® provides the fibre surface of synthetic and cellulose textile fibres with a durable protective layer that prevents stains from adhering. Thanks to this innovative finish, dirt and stains are easier to remove.
Softening Agents
RUDOLF offers a comprehensive range of soft-touch agents that ensure an extremely soft feel on the skin. With the help of the comprehensive RUDOLF portfolio of RUCOFIN® and PERRUSTOL® technologies, tailor-made and sustainable solutions can be developed for customer-specific requirements.
Abrasion Resistance
After repeated use, workwear often shows significant signs of wear and tear. However, the use of high-quality RUCO-PUR® finishing agents makes the material significantly more abrasion-resistant, so you can always perform at your best.
Hygiene and Freshness
Moisture and heat provide ideal conditions for the growth of microorganisms responsible for unpleasant odours. With PRISTINE, RUDOLF has developed a particularly effective finish that protects against odours and offers maximum comfort in stressful or strenuous situations at work.
Moisture Management
Textiles treated with HYDROCOOL® efficiently absorb moisture and distribute it over a large area on the outside. Thanks to this sweat-wicking and quick-drying function, the skin stays dry and feels comfortable, especially during high-intensity activities.
Flame Retardant
Our flame-retardant treatments reliably protect textiles from ignition, thereby increasing safety in demanding work environments.
Vector protection
With Sanitized® technology, RUDOLF offers an innovative solution for reliable vector protection: workwear is treated with a durable protective finish during manufacture. The integrated active ingredient coating provides effective protection against the transmission of pathogens by mosquitoes or ticks, for example when working in agriculture or in local forests and nature reserves. The protection is permanently integrated into the fabric and remains effective even with intensive use.
Textile Application, Examination Techniques and Certifications
Our RUDOLF products are certified to the highest standards and tested for effectiveness in our service laboratories. Many products are bluesign- and GOTS-certified, Inditex-listed and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified.
We also supports the ZDHC initiative, a global programme that promotes the use of safer chemicals and sustainable processes in the textile industry.
Relevant Test methods
At RUDOLF we are offering a various amount of relevant test methods. For work wear the following test methods could be of interest:
- Spray test: AATCC 22/ISO 4920
- Determination of water-repellency of fabrics to the Bundesmann rain-shower test: DIN EN 29865
- Biocide Test Method: ASTM-E2149; AATCC 100
- Absorbency: AATCC 79 TEGEWA Water drop test
- UV-Protection Factor (UPF) acc. to AATCC 183:2004
FAQ's
What is the difference between Workwear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
Workwear refers to clothing designed for durability and comfort during manual labor.
Learn moreWhat is the difference between Workwear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
Workwear refers to clothing designed for durability and comfort during manual labor. It includes items like pants, jackets, gloves, and boots that are made to withstand the wear and tear of demanding work environments. Workwear is often chosen for its practicality and may include features like multiple pockets and reinforced seams. However, it does not necessarily provide protection against specific workplace hazards.
Personal Protective Equipment is specifically designed to protect workers from hazards that can cause injuries or illnesses. This includes items like safety boots, hard hats, gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection. PPE is selected based on the specific risks present in the workplace, such as chemical, biological, electrical, or physical hazards. It must meet stringent safety standards and is often provided by employers to ensure worker safety.
Can fluorine containing products still be used in Workwear?
Yes, there are specific areas in the Personal Protective Equipment, that are still allowed to use fluorine-containing products...
Learn moreCan fluorine containing products still be used in Workwear?
Yes, there are specific areas in the Personal Protective Equipment, that are still allowed to use fluorine-containing products, since this is currently the only product group, that fulfils all performance requirements of the PPE. Using PFAS-containing products is still permitted in the fields of e.g. Personal protective equipment of risk category 3, Medical devices and in vitro diagnostics, as well as textiles used in construction.
Do you need a coating for getting a good water column or is a finish sufficient?
For a durable DWR-performance that is PFAS-free you need ...
Learn moreDo you need a coating for getting a good water column or is a finish sufficient?
Water repellent finishes can repel water drops very efficiently. The well-known technology BIONIC-FINISH® ECO has best performing products for different needs in terms of a good water repellence as well as stain repellence. This technology is used, when workers are temporarily in light rain, to not get immediately wet.
If workers are permanently in the heavy rain, like in Forestry or Construction a water-Proof Coating is needed. Here we can recommend our ECO-VENT technology, that is known for the high-water resistant performance.
Please find more information regarding both technologies on our website:
Why should we choose RUDOLF?
For RUDOLF individual service is focus....
Learn moreWhy should we choose RUDOLF?
For RUDOLF individual service is focus. With our 11 state of the art labs in our headquarter and our 18 production sites throughout the globe, RUDOLF is your trekking partner to support you during strenuous routes. No matter if you are currently in the sampling process or if you are dealing with problems in the bulk production. With our products, technologies and spirit we are supporting the whole textile supply chain.
Do I need to pay special attention when washing workwear?
The washing conditions of workwear always depends on the applied finish.
Learn moreDo I need to pay special attention when washing workwear?
The washing conditions of workwear always depends on the applied finish. When for example a DWR-finish was applied to the fabric, a heat treatment after washing is required to reactivate the water repellent effect.
RUDOLF always recommends brands to adjust the care label instructions, in case any adjustments in terms of washing need to be done for a specific material.
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